GREAT celebrations were had at the Castleisland AFC Social, which was held in the River Island Hotel recently.

The social celebrated the 40th anniversary of the club, and the highlight of the night was when the 1978 team was honoured by the club. The presentation proved to be emotional as two members of the team, PJ Luddy and Mike 'Tappy' Conway, have since passed away.

The Outstanding Contribution to CAFC was presented to Georgie O'Callaghan, who received a standing ovation for his 40 years of service to the club.

Mary McCarthy was announced as Supporter of the Year, and the Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented to Edmond Hartnett and Dan Maunsell.

Individual presentations to the First Team included Player of the Year, Mike McCarthy; Young Player of the Year, Colm Murphy; Top Scorer, Aiden O'Callaghan; Castle Bar final Man of the Year, Colm Murphy; and Greyhound Bar final Man of the Match, Mike McCarthy.

Individual presentations to the Second Team included Player of the Year, Pierce Brosnan; Young Player of the Year, Tommy Feehan; Top Scorer, Dean Poolman; and Division 1B final Man of the Match, Mike Cahill.

School Boys Player of the Year was Colm Murphy, Top Goal Scorer was Damian Breen, Players' Player of the Year was Paul Nelligan, Defender of the Year was Jack Cooney, and Most Improved Player of the Year was Brian Hanrahan.

Presentations on the night were made by FAI president, Paddy McCaul, who travelled from Athlone for the event.

"We had over 300 people in attendance. Everyone enjoyed it, if you weren't interested in dancing and whatnot, there was a media slideshow featuring images from the last 40 years. We also had shirts dating back to the 1970s around the hall too", Chairman Mike Brosnan told The Kerryman.

Mr Brosnan also wishes to thank to the organising committee, the sponsors, and all the staff of the River Island Hotel for their wonderful hospitality.